System, method and computer program product to assist the visually impaired in navigation

Abstract

A system, method and computer program product that provides tactile feedback to assist a visually impaired person in navigation and avoid collisions with obstacles (objects). The system comprises a pressure based tactile response device and a remote control device. The pressure based tactile response device comprises of a pressure pad which includes a plurality of pressure modules that provide a haptic response to the visually impaired person. With a feedback mechanism the pressure based tactile response device provides navigational information to the impaired person and ensures that collisions with obstacles are avoided. The remote control device comprises a plurality of sensors which enable the impaired person to locate the pressure based tactile response device when it is not in his possession.

Description

BACKGROUNDGRANT OF NON-EXCLUSIVE RIGHT[0001]This application was prepared with financial support from the Saudia Arabian Cultural Mission, and in consideration therefore the present inventor(s) has granted The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a non-exclusive right to practice the present invention.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates to a system, method and a computer program product regarding mechanisms and methods that assist visually impaired people to navigate in a safe manner without colliding with objects or other people in their path.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0003]The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention offers a system, method, and computer program product that helps visually impaired people detect obstacles in advance and navigate safely through their environment, avoiding collisions with objects. The system uses a combination of sensors and tactile response mechanisms to provide tactile information to the visually impaired person, allowing them to know if objects are in their path and how to circumvent them in a safe manner. Additionally, the system provides feedback information to guide them in a way that they can avoid head-on collisions with the object. This assists the visually impaired person in making informed decisions about which direction to navigate until they pass the obstacles. The system also assists the visually impaired person in locating their cane when it is not in their custody. Overall, the invention aims to simplify the lives of visually impaired people and provide them with a fulfilling and independent experience.

Problems solved by technology

However, depending upon the environment in which the impaired person navigates, the probability of collision with a stationary as well as a non-stationary object increases dramatically.

This can lead to a very unpleasing experience for the impaired person.

Further, impaired persons do not benefit from visual clues for detecting objects in their path and frequently depend on other people for assistance.

Also, if the stick used for navigation by the impaired person is somehow misplaced, it leaves the impaired person in a state of helplessness wherein either the person depends upon assistance from other people to locate the stick or is faced with the challenging task of locating the stick by himself through a trail and error process.

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